Blue Eared-Pheasant Crossoptilon auritum

A large gray terrestrial bird with an elegantly frilly tail. Bright red face and upswept white facial plumes (“ears”) are unique in its range. Found in both subalpine and alpine areas, preferring open forests in the former and scrubby meadows in the latter. Forages in small groups for most of the year, pairing off during the breeding season. Hunted in much of its range, thus wary and found in remote areas, far from settlements.